Stand using threaded pipe?

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Mr.Manaconda

Mr.Manaconda

Candiru
MFK Member
Nov 9, 2008
256
8
48
Atlanta, GA
Has anyone successfully made a stand using threaded pipe to support a good sized tank? I have a 125 gallon that I want to make a stand for and like the industrial look of the pipes better than just plain 2x4's, but want to make sure it can support the weight of 100+ gallons.


Something like the table in the pic, but with more verticals for support - spaced 18" in the rear and 2 more 24" from the corners in the front to leave space to put a 48" sump.



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I don't see any reason why it wouldn't work with the spacings you described. 3/4" rigid pipe is stronger than a 2x4.

I built a desk/monitor stand using threaded pipe. The pipe is relatively inexpensive, the fittings end up being crazy expensive for a project like this. I ended up just welding every joint, it made things a lot easier, since you con't have to make sure everything is at exact angles, and threaded the same, etc.

My project took 30' of 1/2 pipe which was like $27 + about $30 worth of misc. other materials.. If I had used fittings, the fittings alone would have cost about $130. That's using home depot pricing. If you order from a wholesaler you can probably get it a lot cheaper.

 
Those pipes will be fine IMO , they look similar to what's used on zipup scaffold towers very strong pipe designed to take ridiculous amount of weight with 18" spaces between your supports it'll hold your tank no problem , like mentioned above it'll be stronger than 2"x4"

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I was gonna build a stand for my 75g with threaded pipe and flanges, as I've made stands/furniture with them before. I have a workbench in the basement with a toolbox ontop using 1/2" pipe. I was surprised how expensive they were. The flanges and pipes must have really gone up in price.

They are Definitely strong enough. Just make sure you thread them all evenly. The stuff I bought in the past was not manufactured very well, some of the flanges didn't sit level, or had the pipe threads tapped slightly at an angle.

For a 125g I'd have quite a few verticle supports, make sure they are all tied together with a frame top and bottom. Maybe run a couple wood braces to give it some lateral strength.

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mudbuttjones said:
For a 125g I'd have quite a few verticle supports, make sure they are all tied together with a frame top and bottom. Maybe run a couple wood braces to give it some lateral strength.

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Where would you run the "wood braces"? I was going to use "T" fittings to tie in horizontal support and wood top and bottom...not sure how I would tie in "wood braces" to the piping otherwise.




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Hello; Should you decide to build the stand some anti-sieze on the threads might be helpful. That way if adjustments need to be made or if the stand needs to be dismantled after a time the threads will be less likely to sieze.

I would also be likely to go for something a bit larger than 3/4 inch.

good luck
 
They most likely be npt threads anti sieze will help for sure but don't crank them excessively tight or they will be a pain regardless of anti sieze.
if you just go and buy standard size threaded pipe bring a measuring tape the tolerance is +/- 1/8 of an inch for pipe sizes.
 
Mr.Manaconda said:
Where would you run the "wood braces"? I was going to use "T" fittings to tie in horizontal support and wood top and bottom...not sure how I would tie in "wood braces" to the piping otherwise.




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When I worked with pipe I used those 4 bolt flanges and bolted the sections of pipe to a solid wood top and bottom with some 1/4" bolts. It could hold alot of weight but didn't feel so stiff from side to side. It seems you're going about it different with some tees which should give it more lateral strength.

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